Russian President Putin has called on Russian separatists in Donetsk to call off the secession referendum and has announced that he is pulling back Russian troops from the Ukrainian border. The announcement signals a decided shift in tone. Unfortunately, the US Department of Defense asserted that its satellites detected no change in the Russian positions along the border. Moreover, at least some of the separatists do not wish to postpone the referendum. The situation remains in a state of high flux.
Vietnam has claimed that Chinese vessels intentionally rammed two of its ships as they approached an oil rig that China has set up in disputed maritime territory. Additionally, the Philippines has seized a Chinese fishing vessel in disputed territory. It is hard to tell how this situation will unfold, but there does not seem to be an immediate sense of crisis at this time.
A Thai court has ordered Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to leave office after she was found guilty of abusing her power. The ruling throws the political system of Thailand into complete turmoil, after months of protests. The Deputy Prime Minister will oversee the government until scheduled elections on 20 July. The tension reflects a long-standing divide between the urban and rural areas of Thailand.
World Politics News 
Leave a comment